Something Happening on the Sun’: Solar surge burns up 3 satellites as scientists warn of escalating risks
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Binar’s Fiery End
Three satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program burned up in Earth’s atmosphere last week. Aptly named after “fireball” in the Noongar language, the satellites met their end much earlier than expected.
Early Descent
Originally set to last six months, Binar-2, 3, and 4 fell back to Earth after only two months, slashing crucial time for scientific research and testing new space systems.
Solar Surge
The culprit? Increased solar activity. The Sun’s heightened energy output in recent months disrupted satellites, making Binar only the latest casualty in an unexpected solar cycle.
Magnetic Flip
Solar activity peaks every 11 years due to magnetic shifts, producing solar flares, sunspots, and strong solar wind. However, solar cycle 25 has been stronger and faster than scientists predicted.
Space Weather
Space weather impacts Earth more than most realize, from creating vivid auroras to disrupting satellites. Recent high activity has intensified auroras, even reaching closer to the equator.
Orbit Decay
Solar energy heats and expands Earth’s outer atmosphere, creating drag that pulls low-orbit satellites downward. Larger satellites can counter this with thrusters; CubeSats like Binar cannot.
Costly Setback
Though CubeSats are relatively affordable, their early loss impacts scientific goals. Binar’s unexpected descent highlights the need for better space weather forecasting, notes The Conversation.
Cycle’s Timeline
Solar activity is expected to taper by 2026, with a minimum by 2030. While Binar-2, 3, and 4 faced harsh conditions, future missions could see a more favorable environment.
Binar’s Legacy
Curtin’s Binar program has shown just how dramatically solar activity affects space missions. Work on future CubeSats is already underway, with hopes for a smoother journey in quieter solar periods.